I know this is going to sound awkward... but when I have to retype something that basically all written for me already... I just can't do it. It turns into almost a painful experience. I HAAAAATE retyping. ((headdesk))

So sorry this took so long...

I've also noticed that I have a knack for alliteration. : D "beloved (bitchy) birthday boy" CAN YOU FIND THEM ALL!

x.x.x

The Disloyal Order of Sunflowers

let's play fairy godmother

At the setting of the sun, visitors began pouring into the royal palace, all showing their golden invites at the door and swishing their dresses and shawls and fixing their ties and cuffs. Even the palace itself had gotten a makeover, wrapped with brightly colored fabrics and lights, with the Royal Seal staring out of every window. Our beloved (when wasn't being a bitch) birthday boy had elegantly draped himself over the throne (because there was no other possible way for him to sit and be completely comfortable) and boredly watched the newcomers. On the outside, he seemed cool, calm and collected, but on the inside, his heart sank with each guest that arrived through the door. He sighed to himself and propped the side of his head against his fist, violet eyes narrowing with each passing second. This was so boring.

Finally, the last of the guests had arrived, the final being a tall, uncomfortable-looking boy with bright green eyes and a mess of auburn curls and...

Lelouch scowled, suspiciously eying the white and navy uniform the boy wore. He wasn't the only one who noticed; heads swiveled and craned as he walked into the ballroom, looking even more uncomfortable than before.

Of course, there was a reason to be suspicious. Some stranger just decided to show up, wearing the Knight of Zero uniform that had gone missing from the treasury when his mother had still been a child. Still, Lelouch tried to look unconcerned, even as the chatter died down to whispers while the boy approached his throne.

The brunette bowed slightly when he reached him (ugh, the nerve, not even bending down all the way!) and shot Lelouch an awkwardly charming grin. It was completely dead-silent by then, not a voice heard under the soft music that too seemed to be steadily growing quieter.

The boy glanced around, frowning at all of the eyes glued to him. He obviously wasn't used to such attention, that much Lelouch could tell, but he was practically begging for it when he held out his hand and quite plainly asked, "Would it be too much trouble if I asked you to dance with me?"

Excited whispers ran through the crowd, and Lelouch's suspicious glare turned downright murderous. It wasn't the fact that he was nervous about dancing with another guy... but the rumors this would start!

"...I suppose not," the raven said finally, turning a little pink around the ears at the eruption of gossiping whispers. He sat up and shifted around in his throne, swinging his legs back down to the floor, and pushed himself to his feet, letting the brunette lead him to the center of the dance floor. Lelouch was staring at him curiously now, violet orbs stuck on the amethyst pendant attached at the boy's throat. Before he could ask, the brunette twined their hands together, his free one coming to rest on the small of the raven's back. He smiled casually and cocked an eyebrow at Lelouch's stunned expression.

"You're leading then?" Lelouch asked with an annoyed huff.

"Yes. You're shorter than me, therefore, too short to lead." There were only mere inches separating them, but it seemed that the brunette was going to take advantage of that little fact anyway.

Lelouch narrowed his eyes, unable to tear his gaze away from those green orbs, and reluctantly relented, fingers marginally tightening their grip on the brunette's shoulder. Before he knew it, they were spinning around the dance floor in a slow waltz, other couples practically jumping out of their way so that they could watch and whisper amongst themselves.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" the brunette asked suddenly, and Lelouch noted the barely audible note of shyness in his voice.

"...I suppose. Though, I'd enjoy myself a lot more if I knew whose arms I was trusting myself to. And why he has things which he shouldn't."

Like that little pendant. Just seeing it made Lelouch's heart jump uncharacteristically, and he couldn't understand for the life of him how it came into this person's possession.

The brunette grinned and cocked his head, glancing down at their twined hands. Lelouch followed his line of vision, noticing the silver band around the other's finger, and almost jerked away, feeling anger bubble up inside him. "You're using magic to hide your identity," he deadpanned, a tic starting up in his left eye. This was a dangerous situation... because it could've been anyone hiding their identity just to sneak into his castle. "Tell me who you are, or I'll call the guards."

"Aw, but Lulu, isn't that a bit harsh?"

A flicker of recognition flashed through Lelouch's violet eyes at the nickname, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. "Now."

"Um... can we go somewhere private for this?"

"My patience is running out. Fast."

The brunette chuckled and shook his head in amusement, pulling the Prince closer and leaning down until his lips just barely brushed against the Britannian's ear. "Suzaku Kururugi, at your service, my Prince," he murmured, voice soft and deep and shiver-inducing.

The current loose hold around the brunette tightened, and Lelouch let out a relieved sigh, head dipping closer to Suzaku's shoulder. "I knew there was something familiar about you," he breathed, fingers curling into the fabric of the other's uniform. "I... I was worried you wouldn't come. I don't know what I would have done. But..." The Prince paused and leaned back to get a good look at his childhood friend, now truly confused. "But where did you get my mother's ring? And the Knight of Zero uniform?"

"C.C.," Suzaku replied brightly, giving away his intense, heartfelt gratitude for the girl.

"...Ah. Of course."

"Yeah. The girl sure knows how to show up at ungodly hours of the morning and play fairy godmother, y'know?"

Lelouch couldn't help but show a tiny amused smile, letting his head drop back down to Suzaku's shoulder. This prompted more excited whispers from his guests, but... he didn't really care. Sure, it had been years since he'd seen the brunette, but it only felt like days. He had every right to be the clingy child he once was.

"So what now?" he asked quietly. "Now that we're finally together, and Schneizel can't recognize you... What do we do?"

There was a short, almost awkward silence, followed by an even more awkward cough. "I was... um... Well, I was kind of hoping you'd take me up on the offer of going somewhere where we can be alone? At least for a little while. I missed you too damn much to share you..."

"Oh?" Lelouch leaned back once more, smirking at the light flush on the brunette's cheeks. "Yeah, I suppose I wouldn't mind that," he admitted nonchalantly. "Unfortunately, going to my room would look suspicious, so... how about the garden? I'm sure it'll be easy to find something secluded outside."

Suzaku stepped back at the suggestion, keeping their hands clasped together, and wordlessly led Lelouch out of the ballroom before anyone could really notice. A couple of girls arched their brows suggestively as they passed, but that was all. Everyone was too preoccupied with the other Royalty, which was also too preoccupied to notice the missing birthday boy.

Only moments after they stepped out into the quiet of the hallway, a black, white and pink blur flew at them, tackling Lelouch to the floor and prompting and indignant squawk from Suzaku when the raven was wrenched from his grasp.

The blur (now visible as a girl) sat up on Lelouch's chest, jabbing a finger at his nose. "Where do you think you're going?" she cried demandingly, waving her other arm around for effect and nearly smacking Suzaku in the face with her long sleeve. The brunette managed to dodge the onslaught, right before he realized that Lelouch had been taken down by a girl half his size. Now he was caught up in trying to decide whether should laugh or help.

"K-Kaguya... so nice to see you again," the raven managed with a groan, violet orbs narrowing in a half-hearted glare. "I was just going out to talk with an old friend. It isn't a crime, is it?"

"No, but what is a crime is that you're a avoiding your wife! Right, Tianzi?"

Suzaku was so shocked by the proclamation that he hadn't even noticed a tiny silver-haired girl shy away from the door and over to them. "What?"

"Ungh, Kaguya, we aren't officially engaged!" Lelouch huffed out impatiently, flinging an arm back in hopes that Suzaku would grab it and drag him away... far, far away.

"Th-that's right!" the little girl piped up with a tiny, shy voice. "Isn't this party so that he could choose a wife?"

"Yeah, well..." The black-haired girl trailed off and followed Lelouch's arm, pale green eyes lighting up in excitement and curiosity when they landed on Suzaku. "...Ooooh, who is this, Lulu?"

"Just someone I haven't seen in a long time," the raven huffed, still attempting to escape from under the girl's weight. "And I want to catch up with him. In private. Without you."

The little silverette glanced down at the pair, and then up at Suzaku with a smile. "You look like a Syaoran. Are you Syaoran?"

"Umm... well... uh-"

"Whoever he is, he's cute," Kaguya cooed and smirked down at Lelouch. "But I'm still marrying you."

"Kaguya. Please, I'm begging you, lord above have mercy, you're crushing my spleen...!"

"Huh? Oh!" Kaguya giggled and hopped off, rising to her feet far more elegantly that she had come down. Lelouch let out a relieved breath of air, his head falling back against the marble floor. "Fine, fine, I'll leave you alone for now, but I want a dance later on, 'kay?"

With that, she smiled brightly and whirled around, grabbing the little silverette's hands. "C'mon, Tianzi, let's go look for Xing-ke!"

The younger girl blinked, but followed Kaguya diligently, back into the ballroom.

Lelouch remained on the floor, glaring up coldly at the ceiling until a shadow fell over his face. He scowled at the bright grin and messy curls of auburn hair, but accepted the hand anyway. "Ugh, you could've helped me sooner."

Suzaku laughed softly and tugged the Prince to his feet, green eyes sweeping over his frame. "You're still as weak as ever, from what I just saw. I can't believe she knocked you down, she's practically half your size!"

"Well, she's stronger than she looked, and I was taken by-what's with that look?" Lelouch asked suddenly, violet orbs narrowing in accusation. "Did I just see you do what I think you did?"

The brunette grinned innocently, arching a nonchalant eyebrow. "What? I didn't do anything."

"Yes you did!" Lelouch protested, jabbing a finger at the taller's chest. A smirk pulled at his lips and Suzaku averted his eyes, whistling to himself. "You were checking me out. I saw it, I saw that look in your eyes! Don't you think it's a little rude?"

"...Ch." Suzaku scoffed and rolled his eyes, playfully shoving at Lelouch's shoulder. "You just wish I was checking you out."

Lelouch couldn't help but grin, and reached over to take Suzaku's sleeve, leading him down the hallway. "You're awfully flirty today. I'm curious as to whether that ring simply hides your identity... or if C.C. decided to put a little extra in it?"

"I was just making sure you were okay! You're the one who jumped to conclusions. I swear it on my honor as a Britannian Soldier!"

Lelouch glanced over his shoulder, not looking convinced, and came to a stop before a set of wide oak doors. One of them was open, letting the night breeze waft inside and ruffle their hair. The two stared at each other, one bemused and one amused, until Lelouch promptly let go and bolted out the door with a laugh.

"Wh-wha... h-hey! That's not fair!" Suzaku spluttered, sprinting out after him. "I didn't know this was a race!"

To Lelouch's advantage (his only physical advantage, actually), he was light and had long legs, so he actually managed to get quite far into maze-like garden before collapsing onto a bench that was nestled among a patch of sunflowers.

Let it be now noted that, time wise, he only lasted a little over half a minute.

When he looked up, panting and blowing his bangs out of his eyes, he saw Suzaku leisurely striding over, a wide grin on his face. "I was going to run after you, but then I remembered you'd just fall over in a few seconds anyway."

"Oh... shut up," Lelouch snapped half-heartedly, voice airy and breathless.

The brunette chuckled softly and dropped down beside him, patting him good-naturedly on the back. "It's okay, I guess I can give you a little credit for trying."

"Don't patronize me." Lelouch huffed, shaking Suzaku's hand off. "At least I can beat you at chess. And speed-reading. And diplomacy. And not checking out princes in the middle of crowded ballrooms."

"Actually, to correct you, it was outside the crowded ballroom."

"So you weren't checking me out before? Shame."

Suzaku deadpanned, and then reached over, roughly tousling Lelouch's soft, ebony locks of hair. "Shut up. I just missed you, moron."

"And I missed you. I can't tease you a little bit? Jeez, you've grown into even more of a prissy than me." The Prince smirked playfully, completely missing the way a pair of green eyes lit up mischievously. Lelouch let out a yelp of surprise, suddenly finding himself flat on his back in the dirt, staring up at a dark night sky and yellow flower petals clinging to his hair.

"...What the hell was that for? I can't believe you pushed me! Me! Your future ruler!"

"Who's the prissy now?" Suzaku laughed brightly and held out his hand. Slim fingers wrapped around his own and the brunette was tugged forward sharply, until he was in the same predicament as Lelouch, except sprawled on top of the Prince instead of on the ground. They both stared at each other, inwardly admiring the way the dim lights that lined the garden's path lit up their eyes. After a moment, Suzaku grinned awkwardly and lifted himself onto his hands and knees. Somewhere above them, almost in another world, a clock tower bell chimed midnight.

Had it really been that long?

"I... only have a couple more hours."

"But you're coming back, aren't you?" Lelouch asked, reluctantly pushing the brunette off. "If that's the case, you can leave as soon as you want. But..." He grinned slowly and reached over, brushing some sunflower petals out of Suzaku's curls. "I'll be pissed if you leave me with Schneizel for too long."

Suzaku smiled, resisting the horribly kittenish urge to lean his head against the other boy's hand. "Don't worry. Your Knight in shining armour will rescue you, Princess."

"...Don't give me that crap. By what time do you have to leave?"

"Uhhh... two forty-five, at the latest."

Lelouch hummed and sat up, brushing the dirt off his clothes. Thankfully, the fine fabrics were dark, so he wasn't worried about getting a little messy. Besides, there were more important things to worry about. "Well... how about another dance? We can still hear the music."

"...Huh? What, you mean here?"

"Why not? There's a patio right down there, and there won't be people staring us down like vultures. Come on."

Though he had almost expected reluctantly on Suzaku's part, the brunette proved him wrong by hopping to his feet like the eager little child he was ten years ago and grabbing Lelouch by the wrist, practically dragging him down the stone-studded pathway. The raven chuckled, letting himself be led down the path that opened up to a large patch of grass and circular wooden platform sitting atop it.

"Y'know, you've changed a lot, Lulu," Suzaku began conversationally, one hand settling at the small of Lelouch's back and the other twining their fingers together.

"Oh? In what way? Since, y'know, you're practically the same little kid."

"Am not! ...I got taller."

"And I didn't?"

"I meant... well. No. I don't know what I meant."

"Do you ever?" Lelouch teased, voice growing softer so they could hear the music better. And it was just starting to dawn on him they were together... alone... in a quiet garden.

His musing scattered moments later when Suzaku let out a soft sigh and leaned his head forward, resting their foreheads together. "So... did you think I forgot all about you?"

Violet eyes widened slightly in surprise, and then fell shut. Lelouch took in a deep breath, relaxing himself in Suzaku's arms. He wasn't used to being so close to anyone but his little sister... but he supposed he could let this one slide. Again. "Basically. Especially with Schneizel and his stupid, childish lies. But it's pretty obvious by now that you didn't."

"'Course not... I mean, all this time, I thought you forgot all about me." A fleeting, troubled look passed Suzaku's face, but Lelouch felt it more than saw it. "You were... still are Royalty. I'm just a kid from the ghetto. What would it have mattered if you remembered me or not?"

"...Who would forget their first and only friend? The fact that you were just some kid is probably one of the biggest reason I remember you. I've been around royalty all my life, so you stood out."

Suzaku's smile softened, and his hold on the Prince tightened slightly, tugging him closer. They remained like that for a while, with Suzaku resting his head on Lelouch's shoulder, and Lelouch resting his chin on top of the boy's mess of curls, swaying gently to the barely-audible sound of music. The were hardly aware of the clock striking one, and then eventually two.

Had it really been that long?

"Suzaku?" Lelouch tilted his head down, burying his nose into the brunette's soft hair. "You awake?"

"...Mmph. Hardly... I should prolly leave soon, huh...?"

He reluctantly lifted his head from Lelouch's warm shoulder, sleepy green eyes searching out the clock tower.

"You should probably leave now. Just to be safe." The Prince took a step back, hands resting on Suzaku's shoulders to keep the boy from tipping over. "I'd rather you not be caught than spend a minute or two more."

Suzaku managed an exhausted smile, brushing his bangs out of his eyes. "Yeah... I'll see you tomorrow then, Lulu." The kiss on the cheek was completely impulsive, Suzaku hadn't even noticed he had done it until he left, but even then, he didn't turn around to see the Britannian's reaction. He missed the smile, and the barely visible softening in dark violet orbs.

x.x.x

When Suzaku returned home, he found C.C. sprawled out on his couch and flicking through TV channels. She was still in his flight suit, and her hair, which had been kept hidden underneath the rarely used white helmet was now waterfalling over the armrest. She didn't even look up when the brunette walked through the living room and into the attached kitchen, though her mouth did twist up in a half smile.

"Had fun?" she asked, twisting her head back to glance at Suzaku. "You certainly look... excited."

"...If that's a subtle sexual innuendo, then I'm not that excited." If anything, there was a strange mix of happiness and distress scrawled all over the brunette's tan face.

"Oh? Then did something go wrong? Did you piss him off or something?"

Suzaku shrugged offhandedly, back turned, and silently peeled off his gloves. "It's not nothing like that," he muttered softly, letting the ring drop on the table with a soft clink.

"Then?" C.C. urged, frowning impatiently. When Suzaku didn't respond, she groaned loudly and dropped her legs down on the floor, practically dragging herself reluctantly off the couch. "Do I have to hire someone to spy on you two tomorrow? Come on, just tell me. Not good enough for him, worried about what people will think if he gets together with a commoner-"

It wasn't that she actually cared all that much (that, or she would never admit it), but she made a promise to Marianne that she'd look after her son, and make sure he was happy and safe. And without Suzaku in the equation, Lelouch wasn't going to be a very happy camper.

Suzaku shifted uncomfortably, feeling the girl's piercing gaze on the back on his neck, and slumped down into the nearest chair, raking his fingers through his hair. "I don't... know. I guess I'm just... the type of person who thinks that true happiness never lasts long."

Though vaguely worded, it was an extremely personal part of Suzaku's life, something that he had learned at far too early an age. It was a part of him that C.C. knew about very well, but simply didn't want to delve into quite yet. After all, Lelouch was still in the dark. And Suzaku was still trying to stubbornly handle things on his own.

"Would you rather not go to the next two parties?" she asked lightly, strolling over to the table and picking up the ring, turning the silver band slowly between her long fingers. "If you don't want to go... just say the word."

Suzaku frowned, falling into a stiff silence. Sure, he had learned that happiness was short-lived... but he also learned that he had to enjoy it as much as he could before it was gone. Besides, what kind of person would he be if he denied Lelouch the right to see him? "No, no... I want to go again, really."

C.C. hummed, arching a fine brow, but didn't press the issue, didn't bother asking why the boy was suddenly so down. "So, what do you want to wear tomorrow? I was thinking something a little more low-key. A Knight of Rounds uniform should be perfect."

"...I wish you thought of something low-key a little earlier. Do you know how many people were staring at me? And whispering?"

"Oh, don't be a baby," C.C. drawled, reaching over to flick Suzaku on the forehead. The brunette whined and glared at the girl while she unzipped the flight suit-

"Did you really store your wand between your boobs?"

"Where else am I supposed to put it? I'm sure you already realize how tight this thing is." C.C. smirked and drew the zipper back up, twirling the black wand in her hand. With a quick wave, a neatly folded, white and gold uniform appeared on the table in a cloud of glitter. "...You might want to dust that off first. Oh, and avoid the real Knights, okay? Most of them won't notice you, but a few might report you to Schneizel."

"Alright, I..." Large yawn. "...Will." A combination of not sleeping well the night before and staying up late was quickly taking its toll. "Mmm... thanks again."

C.C. shrugged, flicking her long hair over her shoulder. "No problem." She picked up the ring again and tapped it with her wand, recharging it with magical energy. "Oh, there might be one person you should worry about. Nanaly, Lulu's little sister. Blood-related. Blind. I'm sure you saw her the day you arrived to talk to Schneizel. She won't turn you in, or anything, but still, be nice to her."

Suzaku nodded, too exhausted to answer verbally, and rubbed tiredly at his eyes. He was more grateful than ever for C.C. now... She would be covering him again, which meant he could sleep in and catch up on rest. Ohhh, sweet, blissful sleep-

-sounds fucking amazing right about now...

C.C. cocked her head, a strange, almost maternal smile tugging at her lips. "Just... don't worry about it for now," she said slowly, dropping the ring back down on the table and sliding it over to the brunette. "Enjoy the time that you have with him and then... we'll just have to see."

Even if she didn't like tangling herself up in other people's emotions, she still knew that the poor boy needed a break. He golden eyes fell to the medical bills still sitting in the same, neat little stack they were left in yesterday.

"...Dammit, I'm no good at this shit. Just go to sleep, Suzaku."

The boy smiled back tiredly and when his hands dropped from his face, the green-haired girl was gone. Suzaku sighed softly, picked up the ring, and trudged to his bedroom, Arthur trotting after him and rubbing happily against his ankles.

x.x.x

You know... me 'n Axel never actually finished this roleplay XDD

We stopped in the middle of day two and skipped over to kingdom hearts instead LMAO. She was all I'M TIRED OF DOING KH ALL THE TIME and I was like OKAY FINE so we did this and then she was like I MISS SORA ((tears))

Or was it me? Either way...

Yes, we spell Nanaly, not Nunnally, and Schneizer instead of Schneizel and everyone KNOWS THAT SUZAKU IS SECRETLY SAKURA AND SYAORAN'S LOVE CHILD I MEAN COME ON HE LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE THEM-

Please review :'D